How can you get the most constructive feedback on your professional goals?

How can you get the best constructive feedback on your performance, project or personal and professional goals??

Great mentors!

But how can you find them, and how can you get the most from the relationship??

Have you ever participated in a mentor/mentee “speed dating” exchange? The idea is to meet and spend 10 minutes with five potential mentors over the course of about an hour.?It’s a great way to network, and it can provide the starting point for a potential mentor/mentee relationship.?

I participated as a mentor in one of these events last week hosted by the RightNOW Network as part of their professional development program. It got me thinking about the best ways to solidify a mentor-mentee relationship, like the one I have with former ambassador and author Lisa Gable (PHOTO), who is always available to lend her support, thoughtful perspective, and problem-solving skills.

I have found these three pieces of advice on mentorship can deepen the mentor/mentee connection, yield greater return on your investment of time (and the mentor’s), and will serve you well as you pivot and grow in your career.?

1. The mentor/mentee relationship is most valuable when it’s a two-way street. Most would-be mentors are more than happy to give you loads of advice, and expect nothing in return. However, it can strengthen and deepen the relationship when you (as the mentee) also think proactively about the value you can provide to your mentor. Ask yourself: What’s a project she is working on where you might have a perspective or a professional contact to share? Or, offer to share your time. ?
2. Plan for your meetings. Have a couple of potential topics that you would like input on from your mentor. Consider sharing those topics in advance so the mentor can spend a few minutes thinking of the best ways to help you. Do some research on what the mentor has been working on and any thought leadership she’s been sharing on Linked In. Make a list of the ways you can -- potentially -- help your mentor on her efforts.?

Years ago, I had an intern who participated in a public policy internship program that my team and I created at 普华永道 . This particular intern differentiated herself from the competition in many ways, but it was her thoughtful approach to getting on my calendar, being specific about which areas she wanted input and feedback on, and proactively thinking about how she might offer value to me and to our team that really made her stand out. She took the time in advance of the meeting to do some research and to plan how she would use her time with me. This little story still sticks in my mind because it made such an impression.?

Sometimes we can feel like we are so junior to the potential mentors we might not have anything to offer. I would argue -- as my young intern realized early on -- making the effort to try to add value can be differentiating. NOTE: The?intern I’m referring to is all grown up and well established in her career. She still keeps in touch, asks for my advice, and often shares her thoughts and input on my current work with She Said/She Said Podcast!?

3. Select mentors based on their expertise and experience, and don’t just rely on one person’s POV or feedback. This one is pretty self explanatory, but I like this quote that was shared with me by business coach and author Sallie Ogden , who joined me on She Said/ She Said Podcast last year: “Don’t go to the hardware store to buy bread.” Essentially, remember to be selective in whom you ask for advice. Having several mentors with different levels of experience and areas of expertise can be incredibly valuable when you are looking for advice.?And, that diverse input will give you a richer perspective!

What are the best ways you have found to build, solidify, and get the most value from your relationships with mentors? I’d love to hear your thoughts!?